Zika Virus:  Map of laboratory-confirmed cases reported to ArboNET by state or territory — United States, 2015–2016 (as of June 08, 2016)

According to the CDC… “Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.” 

What we know

• No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).
• Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).
• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
• Zika virus can be spread during sex by a man infected with Zika to his sex partners.

For more information… 

1. Protect Yourself Against Zika Virus
2. Zika – The Basics of the Virus and How to Protect Against It
3. Mosquito Bite Prevention
4. Testing Algorithm for a Pregnant Woman with Possible Exposure to Zika Virus